Healthy Mediterranean Tuna

Featured in Nutritious Recipes That Don't Sacrifice Flavor.

Combine tuna, vegetables, herbs, and yogurt-lemon dressing to whip up a quick, protein-filled lunch in 10 minutes.
Ranah
Updated on Sun, 18 May 2025 14:45:48 GMT
A colorful dish of Mediterranean Tuna Salad made with fresh ingredients, topped with herbs and dressing. Pin it
A colorful dish of Mediterranean Tuna Salad made with fresh ingredients, topped with herbs and dressing. | tastycoock.com

Jazz up your basic tuna salad with a Mediterranean twist that skips the mayo completely. We've packed it with crunchy veggies, fresh herbs, and tangy Greek yogurt for a filling, healthy lunch option. You'll get all those sunny Mediterranean flavors in less than 10 minutes—it's a lifesaver for hectic days or when you're planning meals ahead.

Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown

  • Top-notch canned tuna: go for the type in olive oil
  • Crunchy, vibrant vegetables:
  • Greek yogurt: adds that smooth texture
  • Kalamata olives: for that salty kick
  • Fresh herbs: to lift the flavor

Step-by-Step Mixing Guide

Getting Your Tuna Ready:
- Make sure tuna is well drained
- Break it up how you like it
- Add salt and pepper to taste
Handling the Veggies:
- Cut everything the same size
- Use different colored veggies
- Don't let them get soggy
Putting Together the Dressing:
- Stir yogurt until smooth
- Squeeze in lemon bit by bit
- Taste and tweak spices
A vibrant bowl of Mediterranean Tuna Salad showing chunks of tuna, purple olives, red tomatoes and green cucumbers with a drizzle of olive oil on top. Pin it
A vibrant bowl of Mediterranean Tuna Salad showing chunks of tuna, purple olives, red tomatoes and green cucumbers with a drizzle of olive oil on top. | tastycoock.com

The magic of a good Mediterranean tuna salad comes down to getting the mix of flavors and textures just right. Salty olives work wonders with the meaty tuna, while fresh veggies give that necessary crunch. The Greek yogurt brings everything together with a light creaminess, and those fresh herbs make each forkful pop with flavor.

Keeping It Fresh

When prepping for later, keep everything apart - throw the veggies, tuna mix, and herbs together only when you're ready to eat. Everything stays good in the fridge in sealed containers for about 3 days, though your veggies will be snappiest if eaten within the first day.

Ways To Enjoy It

  • Tucked into whole grain pita bread
  • Placed on a bed of mixed greens
  • Scooped up with seedy crackers
  • Wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves
  • Layered between bread slices

Health Perks

This protein-loaded salad gives you omega-3s from the tuna, good bacteria from Greek yogurt, and plenty of fiber from the veggies. It's a well-rounded meal that'll keep you going strong and feeling full throughout your day.

Mix-It-Up Ideas

  • Throw in some chickpeas for extra protein
  • Add chunks of avocado for creaminess
  • Stir in cooked quinoa to make it heartier
  • Switch up your herb combinations
  • Try different kinds of olives
A hearty bowl of mediterranean tuna salad showing flaked tuna mixed with bright cherry tomatoes and diced cucumbers. Pin it
A hearty bowl of mediterranean tuna salad showing flaked tuna mixed with bright cherry tomatoes and diced cucumbers. | tastycoock.com

This Mediterranean tuna salad hits all the right notes - it's healthy, tasty, and super quick to make. It's perfect when you need to prep lunches ahead or want something good for you without spending ages in the kitchen. The key to making it amazing is using the freshest stuff you can find and storing everything properly. Get these basics down, and you'll have a go-to healthy lunch that you won't get tired of anytime soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can tuna in oil be swapped for water-packed tuna?
Yes! If you opt for oil-packed tuna, you might skip adding extra olive oil in the mix.
→ How long will this mix stay fresh in the fridge?
It holds up well for around 3-5 days sealed and chilled.
→ Is this dairy-free as it is?
Not exactly, since it uses Greek yogurt. Swap in avocado as a creamy replacement to skip the dairy.
→ What happens if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can replace it with plain yogurt or use half an avocado as an alternative.
→ Can I make it ahead without losing the texture?
Yes, you can prepare it the day before, but only add the lemon juice before serving to keep veggies crisp and fresh.

Fresh Mediterranean Tuna

A fresh take on tuna with zesty Mediterranean touches.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 2 Servings (2 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Protein Base

01 2 small cans of tuna (5 oz each, 283g total)

→ Vegetables & Herbs

02 10 olives, chopped (either green manzanilla or kalamata, about ¼ cup or 30g)
03 1 stalk of celery, diced small (around ¼ cup or 35g)
04 10 cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters (makes about ¼ cup or 80g)
05 ¼ of an English cucumber (or 1 Persian cucumber), finely chopped—roughly ½ cup (80g)
06 ¼ of a red onion, chopped small (about ¼ cup or 40g)
07 Half a cup of freshly chopped parsley (30g)
08 ¼ cup of fresh dill, minced (about 4g)

→ Dressing

09 Juice from 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup)
10 ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt (113g)
11 ¼ tsp of salt (1.5g), add more if needed
12 ⅛ tsp black pepper (roughly 0.3g), add extra as needed
13 ½ tsp garlic powder (1.5g)
14 1 tbsp olive oil (15ml), optional but helpful if your tuna isn't packed in oil

Instructions

Step 01

Start by draining the tuna well. Chop the cucumber, celery, tomatoes, onion, parsley, dill, and olives into small, even bits so they mix nicely.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, gently toss together the drained tuna, all the chopped vegetables, the herbs, and the olives. Make sure everything is evenly spread.

Step 03

Mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the same bowl, coating everything thoroughly.

Step 04

Taste the mixture and tweak the flavor with more seasoning if needed. If you'd like, drizzle olive oil on top—especially if your tuna is packed in water.

Notes

  1. Canned tuna packed in water pairs well with a little olive oil added for extra richness.
  2. To skip dairy, swap out Greek yogurt for creamy mashed avocado instead.
  3. Seal leftovers in a container and refrigerate. It'll stay good for up to 3–5 days.
  4. Serve alongside lettuce leaves, pita, or crackers for a filling and balanced bite.

Tools You'll Need

  • A medium-sized bowl for mixing
  • Good sharp knife for chopping
  • Cutting board for prepping everything
  • Measuring tools (cups/spoons)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Allergens include fish (tuna) and dairy (yogurt). Replace yogurt with avocado for a dairy-free swap.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 38 g